A mini bus fell into a gorge in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday killing 10 and injuring 15 others.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolence and announced ex gratia to the next of kin of the deceased and injured persons.
Police said the mini bus was on its way from Thathri to Doda when near Sui Gowari it fell into the gorge. Eight of the bodies have been identified so far.
“Ten people have died and 15 injured,” the police said, adding that the rescue operation was launched immediately along with the locals and the district administration.
The Prime Minister’s Office tweeted: “Saddened by the road accident near Thatri, Doda in Jammu and Kashmir. In this hour of grief, I convey my condolences to the bereaved families.
“I pray that the people who have been injured recover at the earliest.
An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the accident in Jammu and Kashmir. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.”
Earlier, Union Minister Jitendra Singh tweeted: “Learnt about tragic road accident near Thatri, Doda. Just now spoke to D.C.Doda Vikas Sharma. Injured being shifted to GMC Doda. Whatever further assistance required will be provided. Meanwhile, my sincere condolence to the bereaved families.”
Office of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed condolence: “Deeply anguished to hear about the tragic road accident in Doda. My thoughts and prayers for the families who have lost their loved ones. Have directed the district administration to provide immediate relief to families of the deceased and best medical assistance to the injured.”
Seven of the critically injured were airlifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Jammu.
The deceased were identified as Ghulam Hassan and Shabir Ahmed, both residents of Bharot Mallaha; Ritik Sharma, resident of Jathali, Premnagar; Jamal Din, resident of Bakhana Mallaha; Mohd Latif, resident of Bharooah, Bhaderwah; Anri Devi, Barshalla, Thathri; Santosh Kumar, resident of Kanthi Mahalla; Badhur Singh, resident of Shirdhni Bella.